India’s journey in becoming a technology powerhouse has been powered by its large populace of skilled programmers and technologists. The country is renowned for its immensely gifted talent pool that has been acknowledged globally for its dynamism, dedication, and innate flair for innovation. High-ranking Indian-origin executives at global technology giants like the Google, HCL Technologies, IBM, Adobe, and Microsoft are an indication of how instrumental the Indian technology community has been in the global business landscape. However, the evolution of new AI-driven technologies are harbingers of the transformation that has already begun to shift the paradigm in this ever-changing domain. To help sustain primacy in the technology space, India’s IT practitioners must re-skill themselves to ensure sustained relevance and competitiveness in the global job market. Here are 5 skills that they need to pick up to retain their competitive edge:

Machine Learning

Machine Learning is the major technological breakthrough that has enabled algorithms and programs to iteratively learn and become more effective and efficient over time. Machine Learning can be utilized in the interpretation of data, which can be used to generate better insights from large collections of data. Further, Machine Learning can be used to create complex models that, over time, allow for the data to predict future developments and changes which would be invaluable in commerce, policy, and technology. Machine Learning skills are invaluable in optimizing processes and systems, as the algorithms can track the data and learn where the weakness in any process lies and even suggest changes to make the process more efficient. If this piques your interest, the skills required in Machine Learning would be algorithm formulation, and familiarity with frameworks such as TensorFlow, Scikit Learn, Azure, Amazon ML, and Watson.

Deep Learning

Neural networks or programming code that mimics the architecture of neurons in the human brain, has revolutionized Artificial Intelligence systems by increasing the processing power and capacity for analytics of software manifold. Deep Learning massively enhances the ability of software to recognize and distill patterns from the data or images supplied to it. Deep Learning can be used to create predictive and classification models, automate processes, and create more effective Natural Language Processing software to write chatbots, for example. This technology has been key in the development of such impressive AI as IBM’s Watson and Google’s AlphaGo. Those looking to become skilled programmers adept in Machine learning will need to familiarize themselves with Keras and TensorFlow, convolutional and recurrent networks, as well as GANs and deep reinforcement learning.

Blockchain

In a world where data security, privacy, and information symmetry are becoming more critical every day, the evolution of Blockchain technology as a potential solution to these challenges has evinced great interest in the job market. Initially developed as the technological backbone of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin applications, Blockchain technology is finding applications in facilitating digital payments, smart contracts, and for secure record-keeping. Blockchain technology experts already command the 4th highest annual remuneration in India, making it one of the most lucrative careers available to Indian and global professionals.

Blockchain technology experts already command the 4th highest annual remuneration in India, making it one of the most lucrative careers available to Indian and global professionals.

Robotics and Automation

Robotics and automation continue to be one of the biggest potential applications of AI systems in human life. The use of robots and automated processes would enable machines to do the work unsuitable for human beings, either due to danger or due to the work’s drudgery. Robots could easily outperform humans at a physical level, and industrial robots already lift greater weights and sustain higher temperatures than any human worker. With the addition of Machine Learning and Deep Learning into the equation, robots are being trained to complete a wide variety of different tasks, such as security or warehousing robots, that could free the human workforce and enable them to pursue more artistic and creative projects. Those looking to become skilled robotics software engineers will need to learn how to write software for robotics applications, utilize or work with Robot Operating Systems (ROS), understand hardware integration, control algorithms, kinematics, and computer vision, and more.

Self-Driving Cars

The motor vehicle has been a constant in human life for over a century. Even though many of the base technologies that drive it have been updated and modernized, the constant that remained was the human driver. While human drivers can occasionally exhibit exemplary skills, human error and negligence during driving has caused great damage and loss of life, being one of the top 10 reasons for global fatalities. Self-driving cars utilize cutting-edge applications of robotics, Deep Learning, and software engineering to create driver-less vehicles which have already shown themselves to be more effective at avoiding accidents and collisions. People looking to become self-driving car engineers will need to learn about perception, robotic control systems, sensor fusion, path planning, and more.

Any and all of these skills would be difficult to pick up through self-learning. To truly develop these skills, you have to ensure a conducive learning environment, great materials, and expert guidance. Managing this alongside your regular job by yourself is a nigh-impossible task. Thankfully, there are e-learning options that can provide you with excellent resources, world-class faculty, as well as industry-specific and curated materials to help you along your reskilling journey. So what are you waiting for? Go out there and reskill yourself today!

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